Grant finds strength in Chelsea's resilience

The manager has had several key players out injured in recent weeks and has now lost Didier Drogba after knee surgery but the side remain unbeaten in 15 games.

They go to Arsenal on Sunday, when a win would put them level on points, Grant said: "We've won a lot of games with a lot of injuries. It shows the character of our team.

"You see what happened to Arsenal in the last two games without important players and Manchester United suffered without Wayne Rooney against Bolton.

"I hope my injured players will be back next week and everything will be easier."

With an eye on the Arsenal match, Grant is expected to rest several stars for tonight's dead-rubber Champions League clash with Valencia.

One player expected to come into the team, former Arsenal trainee Steve Sidwell, said: "We are looking to win against Valencia and play well and then look forward to the weekend. Them [Arsenal] dropping points puts us right back in the title chase."